Government Relations & Advocacy Internship (Main Street America)

Job Title

Government Relations & Advocacy Internship (Main Street America)

Job Location

[Location information not provided]

Job Overview

Main Street America, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has a 40+ year track record of supporting preservation-based economic development nationwide. We do this in partnership with a network of Coordinating Programs: public agencies or private nonprofit organizations that operate at the state-wide, county-wide, or city-wide level to provide capacity building, training, and resources to local Main Street organizations.

The State Government Relations & Advocacy Intern will support two projects aimed at increasing state advocacy capacity for Main Street programs. The first is to assist in the creation a national report documenting the structure of MSA Coordinating Programs with specific attention to their legislative histories, statutory language, and position in state government. The intern will approach the project in three phases: pulling together and assembling of existing information, research to fill gaps, and outreach to individual programs for additional context.

The second focus will be in participation and support to the Main Street Advocacy Community of Practice. MSA's strategic plan contains the long-term objective to build capacity and provide resources for coordinating programs, local leaders, and other partners, and the immediate goal to launch a Community of Practice for our advocacy in spring 2023. The intern will participate in outreach and development of the CoP model, assist in organizing, and utilize participation to help inform the report.

National Trust internships are temporary experiential learning opportunities with no expectation of employment at the conclusion of the internship.

For this internship, the National Trust is offering a stipend of $4,000 to help offset expenses. The period of the internship would be from approximately June 5 – July 28, for approximately 28 hours per week (some flexibility of schedule available).

Compensation

• Stipend: $4,000

Responsibilities

• Gathering and organize existing MSA data and information on Coordinating Programs to help inform a report outline.
• Research (via legislative history, public agencies, or other documentation) the structure of Coordinating Programs.
• With guidance from staff, organize and analyze information to create most useful representation for written format.
• Participate in Advocacy Community of Practice convenings.
• Support outreach to Coordinating Programs to help organize Community of Practice convenings.

Requirements

• Interest in the intersection of historic preservation and economic development at the local and state level. This could include academic background, previous research, volunteerism, or work experience.
• Bachelor’s level studies (or equivalent years of experience) required; current or rising juniors, seniors or graduate students preferred. Studies or demonstrated interest in related subject matter preferred (public policy, public administration, economic development, or historic preservation.)
• Ability to work independently using virtual tools and to meet virtually with MSA staff in Eastern Time Zone hours throughout the project.
• Basic analytical and problem-solving skills, including issue identification and prioritization. Basic project-organization skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate and achieve results with supervision, including ability to interact professionally with key internal and external stakeholders as needed. Public contact and ability to work successfully in close proximity to others required.
• Strong organizational skills required, with the ability to prioritize, multi-task efficiently, and meet deadlines in a timely fashion
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment. Ability to work effectively with frequent interruptions required. Able to handle frequently changing and/or unscheduled tasks with accuracy.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Friendly and professional demeanor on the phone and in writing, with the ability to speak and write clearly in English. Bi-lingual language skills a plus.
• Ability to work effectively with culturally diverse colleagues; connections to or experience helping to engage culturally diverse audiences and partners a plus. Bilingual language skills (especially English/Spanish) a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products required, including Outlook, Word, and Excel. Familiarity with other software, including virtual engagement tools such as Zoom and Miro, a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote environment, maintaining productivity and communications to meet deadlines and goals, is required.

We're excited for you to apply!